Common Conditions

Transurethral Agents - Erectile Dysfunction

How do urethral suppositories work?

Alprostadil (MUSE) belongs to a group of medicines called vasodilators that increase blood flow by causing blood vessels to expand. Once MUSE is inserted and absorbed into the tissue immediately surrounding the urethra (the corpus spongiosum), it is transferred into the erectile chambers (corpora cavernosa) through small veins. The medicine then causes the erectile tissue to relax and allows blood flow to increase. This increased blood flow causes an erection.

MUSE is prescribed in one of four dose strengths (125, 250, 500, and 1000 micrograms), although the lower doses tend not to be effective in the average man with ED. MUSE is usually only recommended as a single daily dose.

MUSE usually begins creating an erection in about five-to-ten minutes. Sexual activity should be attempted within 10 to 30 minutes after using the medicine. It is not uncommon for the erection to continue after ejaculation, although loss of the erection is expected within one hour. A doctor should determine the correct dose of MUSE.